In October, the congressman and fellow Staten Island GOP electeds invited Democrat Cuomo to a meeting in the borough to discuss the Port Authority toll hikes, as well as show him firsthand the negative impacts it will have on the community's economy and residents.

Yesterday, the governor not only turned down the offer, but it was his scheduling director who sent the response.

The letter, composed Oct. 5, reads: "As the elected representatives of the people of Staten Island we believe it is imperative that you be afforded an opportunity to see the direct impact this toll increase will have on the individual citizens of our community and the chilling effect it will create for any possible economic growth."

The letter goes on to explain the various costs of commuting off-Island and notes that a "simple 10-mile trip from Elizabeth, N.J., [at the foot of the Goethals Bridge] to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, [at the foot of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge] now costs $25 in cash."

The letter is signed by Grimm and his GOP Island colleagues, state Sen. Andrew Lanza; City Councilmen James Oddo and Vincent Ignizio; Assemblyman Louis Tobacco, and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis.

"Dear Congressman Grimm, Thank you for inviting Governor Cuomo to meet with you regarding commuter toll rates. He was honored by your kind request and regrets that he is unable to accept your gracious invitation at this time. Please, be assured, however, that we will keep your request in mind when planning his schedule in the future. Thank you again for your thoughtful invitation. Warmest regards, Nicholas R. Weatherbee, director of scheduling."

When the toll increase was announced, Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said he was "outraged" that Cuomo and the P.A. were moving ahead with the hikes.

"This toll increase will not just empty the pockets of every hardworking resident of Staten Island, but kill our jobs and businesses," Grimm said.

At the same time, Lanza (R-Staten Island) called upon Cuomo to overhaul the P.A.'s leadership. Lanza said he would vote against the confirmation of any current P.A. board member who supported the hikes.